How to fix Top of the World Lounge?

[Patmcpsu]

I go to Top of the World Lounge about once a year. Last week when I went there (Friday around 7pm), it was dead. I remember hearing that the lounge has always had trouble turning a profit, which I find crazy when drinks should be super profitable.

I think the problem is that it's a mature, exclusive lounge that's out of the way for most people. Even if it is walking distance from MK, I don't want to walk 15 minutes just to find that the lounge is full. The only way I know to get a reservation there is the overpriced Wicked Wine Down package.

A few ideas for making customers more likely to go there:

• Have a way to communicate how full the lounge is (preferably in the Disney app).
• Offer free reservations.
• Have areas for kids. I think anyone with kids gets deterred from going here. There are alcoves around the wall of the lounge which are currently wasted space - convert them into kiddy play areas.
• Mimic an airline lounge - Tighter seating without a wait staff. If people want a drink, they can walk to the bar. Have one person roaming to clean up after people leave.
• Lower prices - if I could save about $5/drink I would be more inclined to make the trek.
• Free popcorn - this sounds tacky but it would keep the kids happy, and munching on popcorn during fireworks is amazing (Celebration At The Top knows this). Even if some freeloaders grab a bag of popcorn to go, it at least gets people in the door who may impulse-buy a drink.

In short, they should stop trying to be fancy. If people want a fancy night out, the Grand Floridian is right across the way.

 

[CarolynFH]

Having this lounge restricted to DVC owners - DVC-Y at that - limits possible attendance. The main attraction is for watching MK fireworks; otherwise it seems out of the way if you’re not staying at BLT. Having said that, it’s on my list as a place to go if we happen to be in that area one evening. But as a non-drinker, it’s not a priority.

 

[CraigInPA]

With the number of special events held at TOTWL, I doubt they want to encourage a lot more visitors. Remember, the lounge itself is distinct and separate from the terrace where you watch fireworks. I've always said that they should have a mobile bar out on the terrace to serve those who come for the fireworks, since that is a lot larger crowd. I've gone to the lounge and had drinks and apps (and the gigantic piece of chocolate cake from Steakhouse 71), and found it loud and crowded as the fireworks time approached. I think the bar in the concourse of the Contemporary is probably quieter than TOTWL.

And, yes, this lounge is restricted to DVC members. In the distant past, it was even more restricted. You had to be a DVC member AND staying at BLT to get into the elevator to go up to it.

 

[jillt2ph]

You went on a Friday night, and the entire lounge is typically closed those nights for Enchantment at the Top. When I have attended Enchantment at the Top in the past, the have had a mobile bar out on the terrace for other members just coming to view the fireworks.

I am sure I am in the minority, but I actually like that that the lounge is a more adult experience, especially later in the evening.

 

[lukemorenus]

As a new(ish) DVC member, I'm still confused as to how that place works, LOL ... do you need a special ticket? Is the Villans thing every night?

 

[zackiedawg]

Being more adult oriented for me is one of the biggest draws of the lounge - but I go the other way - I wish it was 21+ only, at least after a certain time (maybe 8pm like Trader Sam's?) - the outside deck can be for everyone during those times.. There are so few spots in Disney that are strictly adult only, so it's nice to have those few little spots.

No special ticket is needed for the lounge most of the time - Friday nights are when they have the Enchantment at the Top dessert party so it may be difficult to get in while the special events are happening. The Villains thing is the new branding for the lounge - 'a Villian's Lair'. There are a few other special events with reservations on other nights, but I think you can still go up as a DVC member when you're not part of that event for regular lounge visits - I haven't been up there during one of the special events so I'm not sure how they keep the non-event guests separate from the event guests...every time I've gone, it's been a regular, non event night.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Definitely seems to be an underutilized spot. Years ago they had wine tastings and cocktail classes in the afternoons. I don't so much mind the adult focus or that it's reserved for DVC owners but as someone local-ish, wish that you didn't have to be a DVC owner AND staying on property.

 

[slo]

IMO….they should allow all DVC members to enter. It stinks that people who bought resale contracts are excluded from the lounges. If you own, you own, regardless where the contract was bought. I’d think a bar bill from a resale owner is better than no bar bill at all.

 

[CarolynFH]

wish that you didn't have to be a DVC owner AND staying on property.

I wish so too, when we stay offsite at a different timeshare because we're out of DVC points!

 

[muppets3d]

With the number of special events held at TOTWL, I doubt they want to encourage a lot more visitors. Remember, the lounge itself is distinct and separate from the terrace where you watch fireworks. I've always said that they should have a mobile bar out on the terrace to serve those who come for the fireworks, since that is a lot larger crowd. I've gone to the lounge and had drinks and apps (and the gigantic piece of chocolate cake from Steakhouse 71), and found it loud and crowded as the fireworks time approached. I think the bar in the concourse of the Contemporary is probably quieter than TOTWL.

And, yes, this lounge is restricted to DVC members. In the distant past, it was even more restricted. You had to be a DVC member AND staying at BLT to get into the elevator to go up to it.

They do have a mobile bar on the terrace.

Definitely seems to be an underutilized spot. Years ago they had wine tastings and cocktail classes in the afternoons. I don't so much mind the adult focus or that it's reserved for DVC owners but as someone local-ish, wish that you didn't have to be a DVC owner AND staying on property.

I've never been turned away from there because I wasn't staying on property. Not saying they won't turn people away (the rules for admittance state you must be staying on property to get a table), but we've been up there more than once and got a table while staying offsite. They may be more strict if there is a waitlist for a table or if it's closer to fireworks time, not sure.

 

[CarolynFH]

I've never been turned away from there because I wasn't staying on property. Not saying they won't turn people away (the rules for admittance state you must be staying on property to get a table), but we've been up there more than once and got a table while staying offsite. They may be more strict if there is a waitlist for a table or if it's closer to fireworks time, not sure.

Thanks - we might try it next time we're offsite!

 

[zackiedawg]

I've been there probably 15 times, and only stayed at BLT once...never had a problem getting in (staying at other DVC locations on points), though a few of the times there was a bit of a line down at the elevator and it was a wait-your-turn thing. 5 of the times I was there during the fireworks...haven't done any of the 'special events' yet.

 

[Genie+]

I laughed when Wicked Wind Down came out. Sounded funny the ‘blue card’ benefit was to spend another $60+ each. People started sharing what they liked about it so we decided to try it after adding direct to our resale. Turned out a great value and we keep going back. To me it blows away the experience of a MK dessert party, and for almost half the price.

WWD offers a fantastic view from an uncrowded 16th floor observation deck. You don’t need a park ticket, hopper, or party ticket. One short trip we opted to do this instead of adding a hopper, booked it on an AK day with early closing and got to see the holiday fireworks. We cherish the lounge time just as much! The whole vibe makes it great for adults to enjoy a relaxing time together. Cocktails are really cool, the creative appetizers serve as a meal for us, and the delicious cake slices are so huge we share one and order the rest to go for using as in-room snacks and naughty breakfasts. Honestly I prefer the lounge being geared toward adults. The majority of WDW is built with kids in mind. I appreciate having a few nooks and crannies catering to other demographics too.

We bought our first DVC resale post-2020. BLT lounge was closed though it was not yet announced resale access was changing. It stung being late to the party. I could also understand where DVD was coming from. Resale transactions earn DVD $0 and those original owners presumably used plenty of perks already. DVD’s marketing budget is what funds perks and benefits. From that angle it doesn’t make sense to spend it on elevating the resale experience when that makes them no money and would only serve to make resale more competitive against their direct sales. Brand image is fine. Resale is still a great deal on deluxe rooms. DVD needs to sell direct contracts to make money and pay the marketing budget, hence the need to differentiate direct from resale. Direct is the whole club experience, resale is the room. Both can be a great value, just depends what we prioritize most from our memberships.

 

[Genie+]

As a new(ish) DVC member, I'm still confused as to how that place works, LOL ... do you need a special ticket? Is the Villans thing every night?

Most or all of the year a paid event is going on daily. Wicked Wind Down is 6 days a week Sat-Thurs and Enchantment at the Top on Friday. On certain holiday or events they may replace those with something different - typically New Years and maybe for July 4th or if MK premiered new fireworks, etc. You have to call to book these and pay ahead.

From DVC site, this is how they explain access:

Accessing the Lounge

Special access to the Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair is available to eligible Members on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. Due to the lounge’s popularity during Happily Ever After—the Magic Kingdom park fireworks—arriving as early as possible will offer Members the best chance of gaining admission to this exclusive experience.

To guarantee a spot for your party, you can book a dining experience. Please refer to the “Wicked Wind Down” and “Enchantment at the Top Dessert Party” sections on this page for more details.

Eligibility

Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras may enjoy this exclusive space just outside Magic Kingdom park when using their Membership to stay at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with Vacation Points or cash).

Party Size

Each eligible Membership can enjoy Top of the World Lounge access for one party per day—which can include eligible Members and Guests staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present their current MagicBand, digital Membership card and government-issued photo ID in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck.

Restrictions

No outside food or beverages may be brought in. The lounge is available weekly on select nights, and is subject to blockout dates or limited access on holidays and special event nights. On event nights, Members without reservations may have limited access to outdoor patios at the lounge. In addition, use of outdoor patios is weather permitting.

 

[muppets3d]

As a new(ish) DVC member, I'm still confused as to how that place works, LOL ... do you need a special ticket? Is the Villans thing every night?

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...rs/member-experiences/top-of-the-world-lounge

 

[cruisehopeful]

IMO….they should allow all DVC members to enter. It stinks that people who bought resale contracts are excluded from the lounges. If you own, you own, regardless where the contract was bought. I’d think a bar bill from a resale owner is better than no bar bill at all.

I do think that all members should be allowed now that everything costs in there. I can sort of see where they don't want to pay for sodas and cheezits for non DVC-Y in the other lounges, but since we all have to pay for TOTW, it would be nice if all members could enter/participate.

I saw a video of what I think was Wicked Wind Down where the cost of the individual items was less than the prefix cost. There was a small insignificant difference on the viewing area. I hope they can come up with something better if they are going to charge a premium and keep it exclusive to DVC-Y.

 

[Genie+]

I do think that all members should be allowed now that everything costs in there. I can sort of see where they don't want to pay for sodas and cheezits for non DVC-Y in the other lounges, but since we all have to pay for TOTW, it would be nice if all members could enter/participate.

I saw a video of what I think was Wicked Wind Down where the cost of the individual items was less than the prefix cost. There was a small insignificant difference on the viewing area. I hope they can come up with something better if they are going to charge a premium and keep it exclusive to DVC-Y.

I don’t fully understand all the moving parts, just that deeper technical discussions share the same conclusion - TOTWL is a commercial space not owned by members, and the operating costs are not paid by BLT owners or DVC members (except when they are customers lol).

The lounge shut in 2020. When it reopened mid-2022 the new model was a hot topic. DVCnews and DVCfan did a nice job concisely explaining the situation:

https://dvcnews.com/wdw-resorts/bay...g-ownership-status-of-top-of-the-world-lounge

https://dvcfan.com/dvc-discounts/membership-extra/dvc-fact-check-access-to-top-of-the-world-lounge/

 

[Lumpy1106]

Can anyone confirm that they are restricting use to direct owners? When we had our bags brought up on our last stay I mentioned it to the bell hop and he said they were allowing all guests staying at BLT to go up there. We had not planned on going up so did not see for ourselves. It most definitely was not a "direct only" perk before COVID. Wouldn't you be grandfathered in if you purchased resale before they changed the rules? I thought they were skirting that by saying it was only open for direct owner special events (with an added cost to get in of course). It does not look like that is the case anymore though.

 

[muppets3d]

Can anyone confirm that they are restricting use to direct owners? When we had our bags brought up on our last stay I mentioned it to the bell hop and he said they were allowing all guests staying at BLT to go up there. We had not planned on going up so did not see for ourselves. It most definitely was not a "direct only" perk before COVID. Wouldn't you be grandfathered in if you purchased resale before they changed the rules? I thought they were skirting that by saying it was only open for direct owner special events (with an added cost to get in of course). It does not look like that is the case anymore though.

Only DVC-Y members can get in the lounge, but anybody can go to the viewing balcony to watch the fireworks.

 

[Genie+]

Can anyone confirm that they are restricting use to direct owners? When we had our bags brought up on our last stay I mentioned it to the bell hop and he said they were allowing all guests staying at BLT to go up there. We had not planned on going up so did not see for ourselves. It most definitely was not a "direct only" perk before COVID. Wouldn't you be grandfathered in if you purchased resale before they changed the rules? I thought they were skirting that by saying it was only open for direct owner special events (with an added cost to get in of course). It does not look like that is the case anymore though.

Yes, grandfathered resale still works. To be eligible = blue card with a stay using your DVC membership on that date (points you own or cash room booked through member services).

Every night has a paid event now. Making the prepaid reservation through member services guarantees entry. Tables are held open near their expected arrival time.

Without a reservation it is still possible for eligible members. Availability is on a first come first serve basis until they reach capacity.